Internships

Undergraduate Research Experiences in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology

Faculty in the department often employ undergraduates in the laboratory for general laboratory work or for specific research projects. Faculty introduce themselves and their research programs to undergraduate students each Spring as part of the BCH 1001 - Introduction to Biochemistry course, or students can contact faculty directly to inquire about research opportunities in their laboratories. Some of these positions may be paid (hourly wage) positions, while other students may choose to do Directed Individual Study (BCH 4990) with a faculty member for course credit (variable credit hours) which can be applied (if pre-approved by your advisor and the ) as one of your Technical Electives towards your degree.

A number of research opportunities exist within the analytical and mass spectroscopy laboratories of the Mississippi State Chemical Lab (MSCL). Students can join-in on existing research projects, or bring ideas forward for directed individual study research using state-of-the art equipment and analytical methodologies. For information contact: Dr. Ashli Brown-Johnson at abrown@bch.msstate.edu. Click here for a PDF version of the application and inquiry form to identify opportunities for undergraduate research at the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory. You can e-mail this form to abrown@bch.msstate.edu, or mail it to MS State Chemical Laboratory, Box 9572, Mississippi State, MS 39762, or drop it off at Rm. G-022 in the Hand Chemical Lab building.

Internships

Internships are an excellent way to immerse oneself in an aspect of your chosen discipline or concentration in the vast field that encompasses Biochemistry. Internships may be done over the summer or during the regular academic semester in government or state laboratories, industry, non-profit organizations, hospitals, research facilities, etc. Internships can also be applied towards academic credit as a technical elective (variable credit hours) in the Biochemistry curriculum. However, the internship should be pre-approved by the student's advisor and the Department Head if it is to be applied for course credit (BCH 4100). Requirements to apply an internship for course credit may include one or more of the following: Evidence of a structured internship program (e.g., announcement for internship applications, letter from intended supervisor detailing student responsibilities, etc.), a log book kept by the student detailing what was accomplished during the internship, submission of a paper that encompasses what the internship was about and what the student gained from the program, a presentation in BCH 3901 - Senior Seminar which details the internship and the student's experiences and/or a letter of evaluation from the student's supervisor regarding their performance during the internship.

Neuroscience Scholars Summer Program – University of Mississippi Medical Center
The Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience's Neuroscience Scholars Summer Program is an undergraduate summer research internship that provides the opportunity for undergraduates to explore their interest in neuroscience research. In this internship, students participate in original research at UMC as part of the multi-disciplinary research team. Opportunities for research range from cellular and molecular approaches to whole animal studies. Neuroscience scholars, along with students in the Graduate Program in Neuroscience and CPN faculty, also participate in weekly seminars and discussion groups exploring critical issues in neuroscience.

Tulane National Primate Research Center (Covington, LA)
The Undergraduate Fellowship Program is offered to pre-baccalaureate students who are currently enrolled in a college-level educational institution and who are interested in biomedical research as a possible career choice. The Undergraduate Fellowship Program entails one-on-one mentored participation in a research project. This is an annual three-month summer program. A small stipend is offered. Applications for the program are accepted in the winter of the year preceding the summer start date. The Undergraduate Fellowship Program for pre-baccalaureate students interested in a biomedical research experience will be offered during the months of June, July and August.

Pediatric Oncology Education (POE) Program – St. Jude's Children's Hospital (Memphis, TN)
The Pediatric Oncology Education program at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is funded by the National Institutes of Health / National Cancer Institute. The POE program offers a unique opportunity for students preparing for careers in the biomedical sciences, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, allied health, and veterinary medicine to gain biomedical and oncology research experience. The POE program provides a short-term training experience (internship) in either laboratory research or clinical research. A primary goal of the program is to encourage students to pursue a career in cancer research, either as a laboratory-based scientist or a physician scientist. Thus, qualified students with an interest in cancer research are particularly encouraged to apply. POE students must have an undergraduate GPA of at least a 3.4/4.0 in math and science (biology, chemistry, physics) and at least a 3.4 overall. Qualified students may generally apply after September 1, but the final deadline for receipt of all POE application materials is usually February 1.

University of Michigan School of Dentistry and Medical School - Profile for Success (PFS) Program
Profile for Success (PFS) is a partnership between the University of Michigan School of Dentistry & Medical School. Profile for Success (PFS) is designed for third-year, fourth-year and recent college graduates, including in particular underrepresented and disadvantaged students, who are interested in the fields of medicine or dentistry. The program provides opportunities for students to acquire the necessary skills to become competitive applicants for medical or dental school admission. Depending on the student's interests, students spend 60-70% of their time preparing for the DAT or MCAT in structured classes or facilitated study groups. Students are exposed to research, careers in dental/medical education, and in-depth exposure to dental/medical career specialties. Each participant is assigned a dental/medical student mentor, and there are formal and informal opportunities for participants to interact with faculty and staff. Admissions procedures workshops are held to provide exposure to medical and dental school requirements. The medical component of the program prepares students to navigate the medical school admission process successfully, with activities including mock interviews, personal essay writing, and American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) process workshops. Program dates usually run mid-may to mid-June, with an application deadline of late February.

For application, updated deadlines and program information access the following links

West Virginia University School of Dentistry – Dental Summer Summit
College students wanting to explore the possibility of dental school have the opportunity for a first-hand look as the West Virginia University School of Dentistry hosts Dental Summit. The two-week educational experience is held in Summer at the WVU Health Sciences Center (usually early to mid-June). Dental Summit participation will include a select group of 15 college students, who will look at study skills, time management and communication skills needed to excel in dental school. Students will participate in hands-on activities in the dental laboratory and explore the vital role dentistry plays in overall health. Dental school application and admission requirements, educational debt management, and current issues in health care will also be emphasized.

Illinois College of Optometry – Focus on Your Future Summer Program
A week-long program to learn more about optometry and Illinois College of Optometry. The program was made possible in part by a grant from the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. The weeklong program is filled with seminars on a variety of topics, such as: Admissions 101, Importance of Diversity in Optometry, Professionalism as a Student and Practitioner, New Technology in the Profession, Study Skills/Time Management, Financial Matters, OAT Test Prep. The program generally runs in July.

Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine – Adventures in Veterinary Medicine
This unique career exploration program will provide students with the opportunity to attend lectures from Tufts faculty and veterinary students, and discuss the realities of a veterinary education with them. Students will get a first-hand look at the demands of veterinary school as they shadow a fourth year DVM candidate in the clinics as they perform their medicine and surgery rotations. The program includes lively discussions about critical issues – including ethics and public policy – with other committed students who care about animal health. Students will also have a chance to attend admission and financial aid presentations, to get an idea of what it takes to be a competitive veterinary school applicant and what the financial realities of veterinary school are. This one week program consists of lectures which include topics such as Wildlife Medicine, Emergency Medicine, International Veterinary Medicine, just to name a few. Students will also participate in laboratories and hands-on activities with animals. One-on-one admission counseling is also included. Students who are currently enrolled or who have recently graduated from college are eligible for all college sessions. Applications are generally accepted starting in November for the various programs available, and continue until the session is full. Visit the web site for more information.

Forensic Concentration Internships

Internships are highly encouraged and can be applied as course credit towards your technical electives in your degree program. Some opportunities for internships include:

Liquidia Technologies, Inc. - A nanotechnology company that designs, develops, and manufactures precisely engineered particles and films for a wide variety of life and materials science applications. Cell/Molecular Biology Intern.

Research Experience Programs

Colorado Center for Biorefining and Biofuels (C2B2)
The Colorado Center for Biorefining and Biofuels Research Experience for Undergraduates allows students to conduct research projects at C2B2 partner institutions including the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, Colorado School of Mines and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This summer research experience program focuses on fundamental scientific challenges relevant to the renewable energy industry. Research disciplines extend from plant biotechnology and biochemical and thermoconversion technologies to process, product and systems analysis and engineering. Program dates are usually June – August with an application deadline of March 1. Visit the program website for on-line application information or contact the Colorado Center for Biorefining and Biofuels.

NASA Undergraduate Student Research ProjectNASA's Undergraduate Student Research Project accepts applications for their 15-week full semester internships. These internships offer students the opportunity to work alongside NASA scientists and engineers at NASA's field centers, laboratories and test facilities. Applicants must be rising sophomores, juniors or seniors with a 3.0 GPA. They must have an academic major or course work concentration in engineering, math, computer science, or physical or life sciences. Participants work on practical problems that will be applied in aerospace or on future NASA missions. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. The application deadline for the Fall session is usually in early March. For more information visit: NASA's Undergraduate Student Research Project Site.

Mississippi Biotechnology, Biomedical and/or Pharmaceutical Companies
The following is a list of contacts for Mississippi-Based Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical and/or Clinical Laboratories that could be contacted to inquire about internship (or job) opportunities. While no formal internship program may exist, an internship opportunity may be able to be created for a motivated student:

Featured Student

Daniel Barnes

Castor oil is the highly desirable, plentiful product of castor beans. However, castor seed meal, not the oil, contains ricin, a toxic protein that can become fatal if untreated in the body. Castor is the only place to get commercial quantities of ricinoleic acid, but because of the presence of ricin, castor is not produced in the United States. Doctoral student Daniel Barnes is working to genetically modify the plant so that it does not produce ricin.